IAFF Local 4392

Fire damages Derry home

2009-03-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

By Jarret BencksStaff Writer (Derry News)

DERRY — A fire was quickly extinguished Wednesday at a Fordway Extension home.

Only a few small flames and burning embers remained when firefighters arrived at 195 Fordway Extension shortly after 5:30 p.m.
The homeowner, whose name was not available, threw a bucket of water on the fire as soon as she noticed it, according to fire Lt. Jim Richardson. No one was hurt.

The fire began when embers cleaned from a wood stove earlier in the day ignited starter logs near the stove. There was minor fire damage and moderate smoke damage to the living room.

Heroes of the flames: firefighters are everyday heroes, putting their lives on the line. Here's what it takes to be one!

2009-02-24T13:02:00.000-08:00

The sight of a fire truck barreling down the street, sirens wailing, and lights flashing, always captures the attention of people of all ages. For decades, firefighters have ranked among the nation's greatest heroes, but never more so than after the attacks on the World Trade Center, when more than 300 of them lost their lives. As Ronald Siarnicki, president of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, says, "I can only hope that our nation never forgets those individuals, what they have done for us, and most of all, what they represent to our life, our society; and to our nation."

Becoming a firefighter takes a unique combination of skills--physical stamina, emotional strength, incredible courage, and quick thinking. According to Dean Bradford, an Arizona firefighter and teacher, it also requires a good sense of morality and ethics.

"Good firefighters have certain traits," he says.

"They are honest, responsible, accountable, and self-disciplined. They have to be--because a mistake made at a fire can be fatal."

Bradford explains with a perfect example of how firefighters show these qualities--and more.
"Firefighters do a lot more than just put out fires," he says. "For example, in Arizona, we are also emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Not long ago, a man had a heart attack while he was repaying his driveway. Firemen arrived with the ambulance, and after the man was on his way to the hospital, we stayed behind and finished his cement job before it could dry."

Firefighters are trained to deal with a variety of disasters. "We are there to protect life and property and be willing to give our lives for it," says Bradford. "In other words, we are called on to do everything you would want us to do for your mom or dad. We work as paramedics, and we are deeply involved with the community; providing education and tours for the public." Bradford teaches a variety of classes about fires to high schools, nursing homes, and churches through the station's Community Outreach and Partnership Programs.

Pierce Manufacturing, Harley-Davidson Support Families of Fallen Firefighters

2009-02-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

APPLETON, Wis. - One firefighter is killed in the line of duty every 72 hours in America. That startling statistic only hints at the pain and loss endured by the loved ones left behind. That's why Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) company, with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, is launching a nationwide campaign to raise money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and assisting firefighter families.

Through April 26, 2009, participants can enter to win a custom, one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Firefighter Special Edition motorcycle by visiting NFFF.FullThrottleSupport.com.

"Every firefighter death is a great tragedy, but the families take comfort in knowing the nation is grateful for their sacrifice," said Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. "The NFFF Full Throttle Support campaign is truly a unique way for the country to come together to honor the families of America's heroes."

Throughout the four-month campaign, individuals can log on to NFFF.FullThrottleSupport.com to make a $10 donation, which will enter them for a chance to win the custom, one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle. Visitors to the Web site can learn more about families who have benefited from NFFF.

"Firefighter safety is a top priority for Pierce, and we have a long, proud history of commitment to giving back to those who risk their lives to protect our communities," said Wilson Jones, executive vice president of the Oshkosh Corporation Fire & Emergency group and president of Pierce Manufacturing. "We will continue to help advance the work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and support the families of our fallen heroes."

The deadline for entering the sweepstakes is April 26, 2009, coinciding with the final hours of the Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. The winner of the NFFF Full Throttle Support sweepstakes will be announced in May 2009.

No purchase necessary. Age for eligibility is subject to entrant's State law. Complete rules for entering and for eligibility are available at NFFF.FullThrottleSupport.com. Employees of Oshkosh Corporation, Pierce Manufacturing, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and their families are not eligible for the sweepstakes. Sweepstakes void where restricted or prohibited by law.

About Pierce Manufacturing Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini-pumpers, elliptical tankers and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side-Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit http://www.piercemfg.com.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at http://www.harleydavidson.com.

About National Fallen Firefighters Foundation The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization with a Congressional mandate to honor all firefighters who die in the line of duty in the United States. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is the only fire service organization that represents every facet of the American fire service - career, volunteer and wildland. The Foundation has launched major initiatives to reduce firefighter deaths. The Foundation has no allegiance to any special interest. For more information, visit http://www.firehero.org.

Derry Firefighter Trains To Climb Stairs For Cancer Research

2009-02-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

Video Footage

http://www.wmur.com/video/18693900/index.html

Derry Firefighter Trains To Climb Stairs For Cancer Research

2009-02-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

DERRY, N.H. -- A Derry firefighter will climb 68 flights of stairs next month to raise money for cancer research and to help a local girl involved in her own battle.

Ed Gannon is training for an international competition in Seattle where 1,500 firefighters will climb the stairs to help cancer research.

"I got involved in it last year in a competition between me and another firefighter over fitness, and I was training for the firefighter combat challenge, and I found the competition out in Seattle and felt it would be fun to go out and climb the building," Gannon said.

Three days a week, Gannon rises at 5:30 a.m., works out in a gym and then dons his full firefighting gear and hits the stairs. He climbs about 35 to 40 flights before moving to a Stair Master. Then, he finishes by pulling a 50- to 90-pound sled.

Gannon said he works so hard because of 8-month-old Abigail Crooker, who was born with cancer in her lower back. Through surgery and chemotherapy, she's doing well. Half of the $6,000 Gannon has raised is helping her family with expenses.

"Obviously, her medical bills are expensive," said her mother, Lea Crooker. "It's been such a help. It gives you comfort just to know you don't have to worry about that on top of everything else you're already going through."

The event is expected to raise more than $500,000 for cancer research. Gannon said he trains through the pain to relieve the suffering of others.

"Failure is not an option -- bottom line," he said.

2009-02-04T13:31:00.001-08:00

Check out "The Battalion TV" Web Television.

http://www.thebattalion.tv/home

Staying Healthy

2009-01-23T20:02:00.000-08:00

Kyle Jameson, Derry Fire Department paramedic, checks the blood pressure of Barbara Chapman, deputy assessor for the Town of Derry, at Friday’s Health and Wellness Fair, which took place at the Derry Municipal Center. Chapman, who is also the chairperson for the town’s Health and Safety Committee, has organized the event since it began three years ago. This year’s event attracted 15 vendors and has grown every year.

Derry Councilor thanks First Responders

2009-01-15T17:22:00.001-08:00

I want to take a minute to thank all of you for your response to yesterday's accident on Rt. 93, the largest motor vehicle accident in NH history.

Your expertise, dedication, and training truly made an enormous difference in such an extraordinary situation. I appreciate your work, and I am sure all those involved in the accident appreciated what you did.

Please forward my thanks onto anyone I may have accidentally left off this list.

Sincerely,
Brent Carney

Umass Boston Woman's Hockey team Thanks Derry Firefighters

2009-01-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

WOMEN'S HOCKEY POSTPONED VS. CASTLETON STATE
The Women's Hockey team will be back in action on Friday vs. Holy Cross
Jan. 11, 2009

DERRY, NH -- The University of Massachusetts Boston women's ice hockey team's game at Castleton State College, which was scheduled for today at 2:00 p.m. in Castleton, VT, has been postponed. There has been no make-up date planned at this point.

The team was traveling North on snowy NH-interstate 93, when all traffic stopped due to an accident in Derry, NH. The accident resulted in a 59-car pile-up, which included the bus that the team was being transported in. There were no injuries sustained to any of the players or traveling personnel with UMass Boston.

"We'd like to thank the New Hampshire state police officers and Derry firefighters for all of their help today," said Head Coach

Maura Crowell. "They were all extremely helpful and did an outstanding job in making sure that our safety was paramount and that we were taken care of."

The Beacons will be in action again on Friday, January 16 when they host College of the Holy Cross at 7:00 p.m. at the Clark Athletic Center.

CNN News Footage of I-93 pile-up

2009-01-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/01/11/greenberg.nh.193.pile.up.whdh

7 News - Boston I-93 Crash

2009-01-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

7 News Boston Video Footage

http://wn.whdh.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=3325402&h1=BREAKING%20NEWS%3A%20Charter%20bus%2C%20cars%20collide%20on%20snowy%20NH%20highway%20%2801/11/09%29&vt1=v&at1=Station%201&d1=289467&LaunchPageAdTag=Station%201&fvCatNo=&backgroundImageURL=&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www1.whdh.com/&rnd=95244762

51 Vehicles Collide In I-93 Pileup

2009-01-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

WMUR News Footage

http://www.wmur.com/video/18457248/index.html

Fire Dept. Search Car By Car For Injured

2009-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Derry NH - Interstate 93

Seventeen ambulances were called to the scene and initially transported 19 people with injuries. Eight were taken to Parkland Medical Center, four were taken to Elliot Hospital and another two were taken to Catholic Medical Center.

All were treated for minor injuries. It was not clear where the others may have been taken. Derry Fire Chief Jack Webb said the most common injuries were broken ankles and legs.

"It was a team effort. They dealt with people who needed to be dealt with immediately. Luckily, no life-threatening injuries," New Hampshire State Police Capt. Robert Quinn said.

Rescuers spent more than an hour trying to pry a man out of his truck after he slid underneath a tractor-trailer. Firefighters pried the man out from underneath his dashboard and he is expected to recover from his injuries.

At the height of the accident, some drivers got out of their own cars to help other people caught in the mess. Brian Milosavljeic, of Cambridge, Mass., nearly early got hit.

"I can say that I'll have the image of an 18-wheeler coming at me full speed, out of control for the rest of my life, burnt into my memory," Milosavljeic said.

51 Vehicles Collide In I-93 Pileup

2009-01-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

DERRY, N.H. -- Dozens of vehicles collided on Interstate 93 in Derry, injuring nearly 100 people and shutting down the northbound lanes for hours Sunday.

"Once we were stopped, it just kept on happening -- you just heard crash, after crash, people screaming and yelling," said Jerry Siegel, of Wilmington, Mass. "Then, you just heard, 'Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.''

Witnesses said a bus filled with Boy Scouts from Massachusetts tried to avoid a car stopped on the highway. When the bus slowed, drivers behind it started sliding at nearly 50 mph. Snow was seen on the highway, but officials did not immediately identify a cause.

Derry fire officials said 46 cars, three buses and two tractor-trailers were involved in the Sunday morning crash between exits 3 and 4. The northbound lanes remained closed for about five hours as crews cleared the wreckage, reopening the interstate at about 1:30 p.m.

WMUR News 9's Aaron Kellogg reported that another bus transporting the University of Massachusetts women's hockey team was also involved in the crash. Some of the women inside the bus wrote on a dry-erase board "We are OK" as a car blocked the door of the bus, preventing anyone from getting out.

"I was sleeping and heard this girl say, 'We're going to hit someone," said Whitney Fraleigh, who was aboard the UMass bus. "I just heard a bunch of booms and figured we just crushed a bunch of cars."

"It looks like a movie scene, really. It's unbelievable," said Steve Dukeman, of Westwood, Mass. "People are hurt, some of the hurt people came off and got on our bus, and now they're using our bus as a staging area to get the emergency equipment in here."

Traffic backed up for miles as crews tried to locate and remove injured people. At least one man had to be pulled from his vehicle after it slid under a tractor-trailer. A school bus helped transport people off the highway, Kellogg reported.

Driver injured when van flips, lands in Beaver Brook

2009-01-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Published: January 08, 2009 Derry News

DERRY - Winter weather struck again on Wednesday closing schools and making an icy mess for drivers in southern New Hampshire.

One man lost control of his service van and crashed into Beaver Brook Wednesday afternoon on the Fordway, leaving police and fire officials hours of work cleaning up after the accident. Mark Hetzel, 42, of Candia, lost control of his van at 12:45 p.m. and flipped over the guardrail, landing in the brook. Matt Stone was riding a forklift just up the street at New Hampshire Boring when he heard a loud bang and saw Hetzel's van hit the guardrail and flip into the brook. A co-worker, Ken Smith, called 911 as soon as they saw the car land in the water.

"Nobody would have even seen him if I hadn't been there," Stone said.
Stone said that was the third vehicle he saw hit the guardrail that day while working only a couple hundred yards away.

Derry firefighters pulled Hetzel through the passenger side window of the vehicle within 30 minutes of the accident. To help extricate him, two firefighters donned wetsuits, helping the others to position a ladder between the vehicle and land.

Before being put on a stretcher and taken to Parkland Medical Center, he sat on the passenger side of his van with a bloody face but conscious. He was treated and released later that day, according to a hospital spokesperson.

USFA Releases Provisional 2008 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

2009-01-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

EMMITSBURG, MD. – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announced today there were 114 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2008. During this period, there were firefighters lost from 34 states and one from the Virgin Islands. North Carolina experienced the highest number of fatalities (11), while Oregon (9), Pennsylvania (9), California ( 8), New York (7), Illinois (6), Missouri (6), and Ohio (6) each suffered more than 5 on-duty losses.

“The tragic losses of on-duty firefighters in 2008 are a reminder of the necessary commitment and efforts by firefighters in all fire departments across the United States to focus on and improve our operational safety. We understand all too well that many of these losses are preventable. The USFA remains dedicated to continuing our efforts to ensure 2009 is a year where we reduce these losses so that firefighters can return home safely to their families and continue serving their communities.”

-United States Fire Administrator Greg Cade
As the USFA continues to collect and evaluate information regarding the 2008 on-duty firefighter deaths, here are some of the early known facts:

Preliminary estimates indicate that heart attacks and strokes were responsible fo r the deaths of 50 firefighters (43.8%) in 2008. This shows a decrease from 54 of the 118 (45.7%) firefighters in 2007.

In 2008, 26 on-duty firefighters died in association with wildland fires.
This loss is more than double the 11 wildland firefighter fatalities in 2007.

The 2008 toll is also above the annual average of 21 wildland fire-associated fatalities over the past 10 years, 1999-2008.

For 2008, 64.9% of all firefighter fatalities occurred while performing emergency duties.

Twenty-nine firefighters died in 2008 as the result of vehicle crashes.

Fourteen of these deaths involved aircraft crashes.

Fifteen firefighters died in motor vehicle crashes.

Six firefighters were killed in crashes involving their personal vehicles and three died in water tender (tanker) crashes. These two vehicle types have historically been most often involved in crashes that take the lives of firefighters.

Speed and a lack of seat belt use historically contribute to these incidents.

These fatality statistics for 2008 are provisional and subject to change as the USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify the names of firefighters reported to have died on-duty during 2008. The final number of firefighter fatalities will be reported in USFA’s annual firefighter fatality report and is expected to be available by early July.

For additional information on firefighter fatalities, including the annual fatality reports from 1986 through 2007 and the Firefighter Fatality Retrospective Study 1990–2000, please visit the USFA Web site.

Door-to-door checks on NH's elderly (Local4392)

2008-12-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

NECN Report

Sun, 14 Dec 2008

http://multimedia.boston.com/pub/m/21659027/door_to_door_checks_on_nh_s_elderly.htm?q=%22carbon+monoxide+poisoning%22

Derry Residents Deal With Storm Damage

2008-12-18T21:47:00.000-08:00

WMUR News Footage

http://www.wmur.com/video/18285218/index.html

90 Percent Of Derry Without Power

2008-12-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

DERRY, N.H. -- Some New Hampshire towns in the dark Saturday were in desperate need of aid.
Officials have opened shelters to offer a safe, warm place for residents among the hundreds of thousands who lost power.

Firefighters knocked on just about every door in town to make sure residents are safe. Fewer than 2,000 people have power in Derry out of the town's population of almost 35,000 people.

"It's like Katrina without the water," Derry Fire Chief George Klauber said. "We've been told to anticipate a number of days before power is restored. In some areas, up to two weeks."

Klauber and town officials held a news conference Saturday afternoon to explain the severity of the situation -- but because so many residents remain without power, unable to get the information, firefighters went door-to-door.

"Actually, we're not too bad. We have a generator. So, we do have heat and water," said Nancy Jervah, of Derry.

"We're here at our grandparents' because our power's out and the water's cold," said Maddie Gehrisch, who's staying with her grandmother.

Derry officials estimate about 200 roads blocked by strewn debris, fallen trees and downed wires. First responders have handled 400 emergency calls since Thursday night.

Many residents, like Dave Hastings, are doing their best to fend for themselves.

"Hopefully, they understand there's a substantial burden before they can catch up with us," he said.
Firefighters said the unprecedented extent of this power outage coupled with more cold weather settling in, means people should be ready to ask for help if they need it.

"We're tough New Hampshire people. They believe they can tough it out. This could be very long term," Klauber said.

Firefighters have asked WMUR News 9 to remind homeowners to really be thorough and thoughtful to avoid emergencies.

If you're leaving your home, make sure everything is off -- every appliance, every circuit breaker and, of course, the water.

Derry Fire Crews Respond To Slew Of Calls After Storm

2008-12-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

DERRY, N.H. -- Emergency crews are working around the clock in communities hit hard by last week's ice storm.

WMUR News 9's Jean Mackin spent time with rescue workers in Derry, where people are still struggling to get 40 percent of the town back online.

"We want them to really take care and be safe," Derry fire Lt. Bill Gillis said.

Firefighters were called to a street near downtown Derry when a carbon monoxide call came in. They found that a concerned homeowner's carbon monoxide levels in his house were actually normal. Still, they decided to check on his neighbors as a courtesy.

At the first house, they discovered a generator running inside a garage. They opened the doors and told the homeowner to move it outside.

"It's funny because I came in here and got dizzy," said Paul Daniels, of Derry.

The night before, a house on Drew Road burned because a generator ignited while refueling was taking place close to the house.

Firefighters also delivered food to the emergency operations center, and distributed water from the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Focus on Fire Safety: Holiday Fire Safety

2008-12-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to focus on fire safety and prevention. The celebration of the season brings with it increased usage of electric lights, decorations, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree, all of which can be potential fire hazards. Additionally, cooking fires increase during the holidays as families and friends gather to celebrate. By following general fire safety precautions, potential holiday fires, deaths, and injuries remain preventable.

Christmas Trees

What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Fire-Based EMS ... The Right Choice for Public Safety

2008-11-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

Time. It’s a precious commodity, and it waits for no one. When lives are on the line, seconds count. Fractions of seconds count.

Few individuals in our lives better understand the importance of time than the men and women of the fire service. Highly qualified public servants, trained to handle crises affecting both people and property – often simultaneously. The dedication and training of these professionals and their commitment to quality of care are just two of the many reasons why fire-based Emergency Medical Service is the clear choice for public officials and the communities they serve.

Higher Survival Rates
As communities evaluate their present emergency medical care needs, they may focus exclusively on patient transportation issues. Most research, however, has demonstrated that rapid, on-scene medical intervention produces the best patient outcomes. The fire service is best positioned to deliver this critical care, as well as rapid patient transport. Fire-based EMS provides a comprehensive approach to emergency care, with trained personnel capable of handling any complication. The bottom line – a better chance for survival, and patient survival is the true measure of quality for any prehospital emergency medical system.

Rapid Response Times
The fire service is known for its rapid mobilization. Fire fighters are the nation’s first responders and fire-based EMS get to the scene faster. A comprehensive response within time limits set by the emergency medical community should be the goal for other EMS providers. It is routine for the fire service.

Quality of Care
Unacceptably high workloads, stress and perceived lack of commitment to patient care by employers all take their toll on the single-role EMS provider. Unfortunately, the patients they serve also invariably suffer. The teamwork, efficient job performance, and continuous patient contact enjoyed by the fire service, on the other hand, affects patient care in a way that cannot be qualified by dollars. Nevertheless, these are critical areas of inquiry for those who are deciding between competing EMS systems for their communities.

Fire-Based EMS -- The Right Choice
Citizens need a system that works in the field, not only on paper. Decision makers, therefore, must look at what their community is getting for the price, particularly in the areas of response time, personnel capabilities and system efficiency. Only then can a community make an informed choice about a critical service, with the same confidence that they place in the rapid response and effective work of their fire department.

The Great Boston Fire

2008-11-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

It was on this date, November 9, in 1872 that Boston, Massachusetts, suffered their worst ever fire and what is still one of the most costly fire-related property losses in American history.
The fire destroyed the entire financial district, causingthe deployment of milita to guard against looting.

It all started at 7:20 pm in the basement of a warehouse on Summer St. A quirk in the city’s tax laws exempted business stock that was stored in attics. So, as the fire spread from flying embers, they were landing on top of rooms stuffed with fire load.

The conflagration grew rapidly and the huge fire lit up the entire New England sky, prompting fire departments from every state around to load up pumpers and firefighters on railroad trains and converge on the city to aid. The railroads capitalized on the event by also carrying spectators on the rescue trains.

The city’s fire department was already suffering from a horse flu epidemic that had traveled across the country that year. Every horse in the fire department had been immobilized from the illness and the heavy, steam pumpers had to be pulled by the firefighters to the blazes.

Further complicating the efforts, the gas supply lines connected to street lamps and used for lighting in buildings could not be shut off promptly. Gas lines exploded and fed the flames.
The fire was finally contained 12 hours later, but not until it had leveled 65 acres of downtown property including 776 buildings. The dollar loss, converted to today’s equivalency, exceeded $3.5 Billion.

The devastating effects of the fire directly led to the adoption of more stringent building codes and stronger enforcement efforts throughout the U. S.

October was Safety Month

2008-11-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Each year The Clubhouse Child Care Center in Derry, devotes the month of October to Safety. Several activities are planned through out the month including visits from the Derry Police Department and a trip to the Derry Fire Station for the Preschool and Kindergarten class. The Derry Fire Fighters also bring a fire truck to the school for the two and three year old children to enjoy.

At the fire station, the children sat together while the fire fighters discussed fire safety, fire drills and having a safety plan in place both at school and at home. Afterwards, the children toured the station. They were able to sit inside the ambulance and the fire truck. Since many children are afraid of the fire fighters when they are in their fire suits, Miss Bonnie and Miss Shawna dressed in the suits while the children watched. It was then stressed that it was only their teachers inside the suits and it wasn’t a monster. Therefore, if they are ever in a situation where a fire fighter was going in to rescue them, they shouldn’t be afraid of the suit because a fire fighter is inside the suit and is there to help them. All the children received a fire helmet to take with them.

Officer Daniel Komenda also visited the children at The Clubhouse to discuss Halloween Safety. He told the children that wearing face paint instead of a mask would allow them to see better. He told everyone to watch out for traffic and to always carry a flashlight. Officer Komenda also reminded children to use extra caution around animals as the pets may not recognize the child and become frightened. When he left everyone received written safety tips and reflective tabs.

The Clubhouse parents, children and staff are grateful to our community helpers for taking the time to teach the children such valuable lessons in life.

Monika Farrington, Director

The Clubhouse Child Care Center

Local 4392 fundraiser for Seattle Stair Climb

2008-11-04T10:17:00.001-08:00

A fundraiser was held Sunday Night November 2nd at Jillian’s Billards in Manchester NH for “Mr. Ed” Gannon. “Mr. Ed” is participating in the Seattle Stair Climb to raise money for cancer. The fundraiser was billed as firefighter appreciation night and many firefighters went to support our Union brother. There was also an appearance from the one of the Patriots Cheerleaders who helped pass around “the boot” collecting money from all the patrons in the establishment. The event raised almost five hundred dollars. To date, “Mr. Ed” has raised over one thousand dollars for this just and noble cause.
“Mr. Ed” is the first firefighter from NH to compete in this event. He is traveling to Seattle, where he will climb 69 stories, each step raising money for those who suffer or suffered from cancer. “Mr. Ed” will be climbing those stairs wearing full firefighting gear and breathing air from his SCBA. When “Mr. Ed” reaches the top of the tower, instead of taking the elevator down like most, he has committed to climbing only stairs so not only will he climb the 69 stories up, he will also go down the 69 stories on foot as well.
“Mr. Ed” will be traveling to Seattle in March of 2009, plenty of time to raise a lot more money!All the members of Local 4392 want to wish “Mr. Ed” the best of luck!

New Hampshire Firefighters Trade Columbus Day for 9/11 Pay

2008-10-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

With little fanfare or public outcry, firefighters in Derry, N.H., officially received Sept. 11 holiday pay in an Oct. 7 vote.

While Peabody police officers ratified their contract days earlier on Oct. 2, they still await City Council approval.

Derry's seven-member town council approved the firefighters' contract two weeks ago, certifying the holiday before their counterparts 40 miles south.

Details of Peabody's police contract were made public last week. Among the perks, officers received a 13 percent pay increase over four years and increased bonuses for longevity, while agreeing to pay a larger portion of their health care costs and submitting to random drug tests.
The most controversial aspect of the contract was approval of Sept. 11 as a holiday. The decision gave Peabody officers their 14th holiday.

Unlike Peabody, Derry firefighters gave up Columbus Day as a holiday in exchange for Sept. 11.
"It was explained to us up front that it was a swap," said Kevin Coyle, Derry's council chairman pro tem. "I don't really have a problem if they take one from the others."

The New Hampshire firefighters receive 10 holidays in all, according to Garry Williams, president of the United Professional Firefighters of Derry.

He said holiday pay equals 30 percent of a week's pay for firefighters who work a holiday and 20 percent for those who don't.

Coyle said he had problems with other areas of his firefighters' contract, but not holidays, since the number didn't change.

He thought the town council's approval of Sept. 11 would have been a bigger issue if Derry firefighters had added the day rather than exchanging it.

"In (Peabody's) case, money was an issue," he said. "For us, it was a wash, in effect."
Derry firefighters and the town negotiated their contract over 18 months, according to Williams. Union members ratified their contract Sept. 9.

He said the idea of giving up another holiday for Sept. 11 went over well with fellow union members.

"They were 100 percent in agreement," Williams said. "They thought it was great."
While their counterparts in New York City may not receive Sept. 11 as a holiday, he hoped they would eventually. He also thought the nation should commemorate the day.
"I think the nation should celebrate it," the 29-year veteran firefighter said.

STACIE N. GALANG The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.

Exchange Students from China visit the Derry Fire Department, IAFF Local 4392

2008-10-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

The China Exchange program began at Pinkerton Academy in 2004. We believe that China is going to have a major impact on our students lives and that the best way to educate students is to have an exchange program.

Not only does the program affect the students who actually travel to China but also their families, the entire school and as you found out with their visit, the local area as well. We have a sister school arrangement with Tanggu No. 1 School in Tianjin China. Tianjin is a city of 11 million people and is the major port city near Beijing. The program has been a huge success and has grown every year.

We send a group of Pinkerton Academy students over to China each April and they attend school for a week at our sister school, staying with Chinese host families, then they tour Beijing seeing the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Ti ananmen Square, Summer palace, the Great Wall and other sites; they also visit the city of Xian and see the TerraCotta Warrior museum and sights there.

Each fall our sister school sends a group of students here to Pinkerton Academy for a week where they go to our school and live with host families here. This years group was the largest so far with 16 students and two administrators and two teachers. In fact this recent group was the fourth Chinese exchange group to visit your Firestation and it is always a big hit with the Chinese. They usually do not have the opportunity to visit their fire stations like we do in America.

Lieutenant Ryan Ridley, with his daughter Meredith was a host student and his family had a young lady by the name of Wei Yue stay with them.

While here they visited Pinkerton Academy, the Derry Fire Department and the Derry Village Rotary. They met the Governor and toured the State house in Concord, visited the White Mountains, took the Cannon Mountain Tram and they also toured Boston and visited Harvard and MIT. The exchange students saw and did a lot while in our community. After the finished in New England they left for a tour of NYC, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls and Washington DC.

Local 4392 in action, reported by the Eagle Tribune

2008-10-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

DERRY — A crash on Hampstead Road during the afternoon rush-hour sent three people to the hospital and closed a section of the busy road for more than an hour and a half yesterday.

The three people, a young boy and two women, were taken by ambulance to Parkland Medical Center, said Derry Fire Battalion Chief Jack Webb.

Although the victims' names were not available from police or fire officials last night, a Parkland nursing supervisor confirmed that Erin Manning, 30, of Danville was going to be transported to a Boston hospital for treatment of her injuries, including a broken leg.

She also said the boy was doing fine, and the second woman was treated and released. said the child's mother rode to the hospital with him.

Police closed a section of Hampstead Road, a busy shortcut road used by many motorists, near Warner Hill and Floyd roads for more than an hour and a half after the 4 p.m. crash. One vehicle, a blue sedan with heavy front-end damage, remained in the middle of the road while the other two had swerved off the road into the woods, a Volvo van flipping onto its side.

A sand-like mixture was spread across the roadway to soak up vehicle fluids. Car parts, including headlights and bumpers, were strewn across the road.

Kerry Vidnovic, 29, of Derry, a passenger in the white Hyundai driven by Manning, said her friend knew instantly she had broken her leg.

Both were wearing seat belts and their air bags deployed in the crash, Vidnovic said.
Vidnovic stood on the side of the road wiping a bloody nose as she waited for her boyfriend to pick her up.

"It was unbelievable," she said, describing the head-on accident between the other two vehicles that pushed the Volvo into their car. "There was no way we could avoid crashing into it.
No details were available from police on how the accident occurred.

"I'm counting my blessings that I wasn't seriously hurt," she said. "Thank God for the air bags and the seat belts we had on. But when the air bags opened up, it was like being punched in the face."
Anne Boule, 94 Hampstead Road, who lives near the corner where the crash took place, said accidents take place there often, especially during the winter when the road is slippery.

She said she and her husband heard a "loud boom" when the crash occurred.

Open Forum

2008-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

IAFF Local 4392 are here to answer any questions the public may have. Please feel free to ask, we will try and answer any reasonable question with an open an honest answer.

2008-10-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Town Council approved two contracts with fire department employees after an hour-long debate where the majority of residents questioned whether taxpayers could afford the deal in the current economic climate.

The public hearing was the first on a union contract to come before the Town Council, spurred by what many councilors and residents have labeled as a lavish deal when it comes to benefits and vacation time.

"I don't see how you can approve a multi-year contract on today's situation," said resident Joseph Dichiaro.

Fire Chief George Klauber and Human Resources Director Larry Budreau, the town's negotiators in the deal, defended the proposal, saying it fell under the parameters set by the council in 2006.
Gary Williams, president of the two fire unions, said he was relieved to have the debate come to an end after months of negotiations and one failed contract that the council denied in February.
"I'm pleased they stood behind their negotiating team," Williams said.

Councilors Kevin Coyle and Janet Fairbanks voted against both contracts with Councilor Brent Carney voting against only the contract with the fire officers.

Carney said the firefighters contract is more in line with town employees in other departments than the officers contract, which he classified as the most expensive contract to Derry residents. He said he would never vote for a contract that protected an entire union from layoffs.
"We need to have more flexibility in our budgets and that can only happen when personnel becomes a smaller percentage of budget, Carney said.

Budreau, the town's lead negotiator, said he received directives from the Town Council in 2006 prior to negotiations that included limiting cost increases to 3.5 percent. The current contract met those goals, according to Budreau.

"Though not every town councilor will be happy with every phrase of these contracts, I believe they meet the goals of the entire Town Council," Budreau said.
The two councilors who voted against the contracts disagreed, saying Klauber and Budreau didn't accomplish all of the goals.

Coyle said other parameters were discussed and not met, such as decreasing the insurance buyback and offering similar benefits as town employees in other departments.
He criticized the contracts for not allowing the town to subcontract services without union approval, offering employees too much earned time and proficiency pay.
Fairbanks said she had tried to become a part of the negotiating team and was discouraged from participating.

Many residents criticized the proposal for including an insurance buyback, but Williams said that only 12 employees accept the deal and it saves the town $12,000.

Barry Philips, a retired firefighter who spent 17 years with the East Derry Fire Department, said a contested agreement that gives employees hired prior to July 1, 2005, the guarantee that they can't be laid off is left over from the consolidation of the two departments.

Only one person is still employed with the town who was hired under the now defunct East Derry Fire Department.

"That was a major component in the consolidation," said Philips, who emphasized that the agreement doesn't cost taxpayers a dime.

Chairman Rick Metts, who supported both contracts, said he understands that times are tough for people, but the town has a responsibility to bargain in good faith by the parameters agreed upon by the 2006 council. Metts, who said he can't even afford health insurance for himself, said the deal contained items he was unhappy with, but that he would support the contract because it was the right thing to do.

Councilor Neil Wetherbee cautioned that if the council didn't approve this contract, the next deal could be even worse.

"At some point, you have to go back to June 30, 2007 and renegotiate a new deal," he said.